This is kind of a “what would you do” question.

the horse trailer had a flat, so I took the opportunity to address the bearings that I knew had some slack in them. It’s new to us a couple years ago, so going through the bearings and adjusting the brakes just seemed like good practice. The brakes were definitely not up to par, but worked ok at a higher than expected setting.

so I pull the hub off and the brake shoe falls out onto the ground. So, it needs brakes.

$150/pair on etrailer. Two pair for the whole rig.

I pulled the seals and checked the bearings and the bearings and races looked good. No signs of chipping, or chattering - smooth and shiny.

so I got 4 seals at NAPA -$50 with two tubs of grease. The one inner bearing was found to be $25, so I didn’t inquire further. They were good bearings, though.

Then I hop on etrailer again and I find a wheel kit for $45. Inner and outer bearings, both races, and seals.

normally I wouldn’t hesitate to just repack and use the old bearings. But then I read somewhere that if they are loose, it is because they are worn out. I’ve always just tightened them up and called it good before I read that.


so what would you do? The brakes are a given.
bearings? It adds about $180 to the job, and it would be the last time I ever have to do them. But I may never have to do them again anyway even if I reuse them.


what would you do?

 

I would be inclined to use the existing bearings, but you are questioning that, so perhaps new is the way to go. I am very big on gut feeling, so go with your gut.

I will caution you about Etrailer though. They are very, very backed up on shipping orders out. I purchased something on the 14th that was in stick with a two day shipping time. After purchase, the estimated shipping date changed to 22 April. Yesterday that date was pushed back to 27 April.

I called them up yesterday and the representative was very nice and told me the warehouse is understaffed and the trucks were lined up for unloading 1/2 mile down the road.

I have used Etrailer many times in the past and will again in the future, but go to another seller if you are looking for the parts quickly.

 

That’s good to know... I’ll check it out before ordering.

my gut says the bearings are fine. The article I read said they need to be replaced.

had I not been reading, I would just reuse them without any hesitation.

 

My suggestion would be to stop reading. On the Internet everyone speaks with an equal voice. Some know a lot; some know almost nothing at all!

My two cents,

Steve

 

Didn’t think about amazon initially, but I found these.

self adjusting and the right size, and about $120 cheaper.

Two 12" x 2" Electric Brake Trailer Self Adjusting Backing Plates Left and Right https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07PH5P7...MYTDMPRE2WJKRG

 

And now I stand corrected... The parts shipped this morning.

I am in the "know nothing" category though and that is the way I like it. I only present facts and experiences so others can make a decision for themselves.

Etrailer has been and continues to be a good source for parts in my humble opinion.

 

Personally, I would go the Amazon route, and repack the current bearings unless you have any reason to replace them.

 

In my experience, etrailer shipping has been fast until they weren't. At times I found they advertised parts they didn't have and had to come directly from manufacturer, although they did not indicate that until after the order was placed.

Steve

 

I would do the same.

Steve

 

I had the same issue on my boat trailer, pulled the drum and the linings fell off the shoe. I took them to a local brake and clutch place and had them relined. I don't remember the cost, but they were riveted on, not glued, and worked excellently after. I got them back in 1 day, hard to beat that with shipping, plus you know they will fit.
I would reuse the bearings.

 

If I'm going to take things apart, my inclination is to replace the parts, especially if I don't know the history.

 

use the old bearings with proper adjustment.

Ensure there are keepers or cotter pins so the nut or castle nut does not back off.

I am still using original bearing on my 5th wheel and I guarantee i have more miles on that then your trailer.

 

Thanks for all the input. I think I’m going to do what the majority of you said you’d feel comfortable with.

ordered new backing plates from Amazon for cheaper than etrailer, and just got confirmation that they have shipped.

Going to get started on the bearings so I can just slap it together when the backing plates get here.

thanks again. You guys are my sanity check.

 

Only other thing I would consider is (based on what they looked like), taking the drums to a shop and having them trued, machined, and cleaned up. (I mean since you got it apart )

 

Here is the process I go through on my lawn service trailer which sees a lot of stop and go miles. 3500# axles

I repack the bearings a couple times a year using the easy lube fitting. Annual mileage is 10k so I need new brakes roughly every other year. I pull the hub to check the brakes when I feel they are about time to replace. Pay special attention the hub surface that the magnet rides on. It will become grooved over time and the brakes will chatter as a result. At this point is when I purchase a complete set of backing plates with all new parts already assembled and new hubs which includes new bearings, races, seals, and lug nuts. This is the only time I replace the bearings.